Késsinnimek - Roots - RacinesMon Petit Coin by Norm Léveillée
Looking Back - A Year in Review
Permit me to look back on what we have accomplished during the first year of our publication Késsinnimek - Roots - Racines. As of the writing of this article, November 30, 2003, there have been 5796 visitors to our site. We have received comments from our readers indicating that what we are doing is informative, interesting and worthwhile.
I chose the title "Késsinnimek - Roots - Racines" because for most of our authors, their "roots" have been threefold: Algonquin, American, Franco-Canadian. This online magazine is the result of my interest in genealogy; and because of this interest, I found many "cousins" who shared my "késsinnimek - roots - racines".
Suzanne Boivin Sommerville wrote an eleven part series on the children of our 8th great-grandparents Pierre Couc & Marie Mite8ameg8k8e. Suzanne is a meticulous researcher. I learned so many facts about my ancestors through her excellent articles. I was very fortunate the day that I received an email from her indicating that we shared the same ancestors. Suzanne, I was very happy when you joined our staff of writers for the magazine. Quel plaisir!
Jim Carten always had some interesting note or fact in his "Jim's Tidbits". Jim is a Québecois, "a retired seaman and shipyard worker in the Québec City area. Writing has always interested me ... My writings are formed within my mind which I consider to be the "birth" of a river which flows south to my hands and my fingers become its estuary or delta. It just flows from mind to fingertips.", as he so aptly wrote for his biography when he first joined our group of writers. I thoroughly enjoy his "tidbits". I didn't know that the "beaver" was a fish. Did you? Thanks for that "tidbit", Jim.
Juliana L'Heureux mapped out an exciting and interesting trail in her series "Follow the Churches - Suivre les Églises" as she lead us from one church to another. She told us the reason for this journey "To me, a church includes the composite history of a place ... Finding these spiritual reminders of French culture, tucked away here and there, is a delightful experience. These churches emerge quite unexpectedly, too. I like to believe the French churches find me, rather than the other way around." Juliana was responsible for my finding these churches and providing for me, "a delightful experience" also. I am ready for the next spiritual trip, Juliana. Guide me onwards!
Louise-Andrée Éthier aka Sundance Aquero Sharp provided for our readers, in her "Sundance's Corner", a journey of Québecoise, through people she encountered along this journey. She writes " our ancestors, these are the giants! They paved this road that we take our journey on and it is only appropriate that some of us come together to honor these ancestors of ours." Louise aka Sundance has honored these people in her articles. I, for one, learned what makes a person who she/he is through my "cousine"'s fine articles. Whom shall I get to know next time, Louise?
Dolorès Robillard Benoit, another "cousine", has written fascinating articles in French, dealing with "les vieux temps" - "the good old times". I was tempted to try a couple of the recipes, especially the Porcupine Roast, but I could never find such an animal in my little neck of the woods here in West Greenwich, RI. Now I know what "mariage à la gaumine" means when I encounter this in the research of my ancestors. Un grand merci à ma cousine et aussi à mon cousin André de sa traduction en anglais!
Jean Quintal has provided us with a variety of topics for enlightening and pleasurable reading. I didn't know the Iroquois word for "bear" was "okwari" and Jean taught me how to say it. What about his Zen Garden? Did you know what he taught us? I know about René Goupil, Jean's patron saint, but Jean taught me more information about this North American Martyr. Jean, continue tes histoires intéressantes.
Fr. Owen Taggart is another "cousin", but this one "a reverend cousin". Through his fascinating historical articles, as in "My pépère is your pépère", we learned that we descendants of Franco-Canadian ancestors are probably related in more ways than one. I am sure that our readers have learned, as I have, very interesting and informative facts about the dioceses of North America through his excellent series " A Tales of Several Cities". Where are you taking us next, Monsieur l'Abbé?
In "Mon Petit Coin", my articles have focused on my Franco-Canadian and Algonquin ancestors. I hope that our readers have been able to sense the "pride" that I have shown to be a descendant of these great people - "giants" in my eyes. I focused on these ancestors mainly for my descendants - my children and grandchildren at the present, and for my future great-grandchildren, that they learn about their ancestors with the same interest and pride that I have. May you, our readers, find an interest in your ancestors! May you be proud of those people who gave you life!
To all our contributors, I wish to extend:
Ktsi Oleoneh Merci bien Great thanks
And to our readers,
Ktsi Oleoneh Merci bien Great thanks
Késsinnimek - Roots - Racines
Copyright © 2003 Norm Léveillée
Created 1 Feb 2003